AP IT MINISTER NARA LOKESH INVITES BLACKBUCK TO SHIFT OPERATIONS TO VIZAG In a strategic move to boost IT and tech investments in Andhra Pradesh, the state’s IT and Industries Minister Nara Lokesh has extended an invitation to BlackBuck, a leading logistics-tech startup, to consider relocating its operations to Visakhapatnam. This invitation comes in the wake of recent concerns raised by BlackBuck''s CEO regarding the startup ecosystem and operational challenges in Bengaluru. Minister Lokesh responded via social media, offering Vizag as a viable alternative, highlighting its growing infrastructure, investor-friendly environment, and government support for startups and emerging tech companies. “Vizag offers robust infrastructure, lower cost of operations, and a growing talent pool. We welcome BlackBuck and other innovative companies to be part of our tech ecosystem,” said Lokesh in a statement. The move is part of Andhra Pradesh’s broader efforts to position Vizag as the next IT and innovation hub, especially ahead of the CII Partnership Summit scheduled to be held in the city in November 2025. The state government has been actively promoting initiatives like digital infrastructure expansion, startup incubation, and ease-of-doing-business reforms to attract both domestic and international investors. If BlackBuck responds positively, it could signal a turning point in the decentralization of India’s tech industry, offering a template for other startups looking beyond traditional metros.

MASSIVE RS.70,000 CR STEEL PLANT BY ARCELORMITTAL SET TO BEGIN IN NAKKAPALLI In a major boost to industrial development in Andhra Pradesh, global steel giant ArcelorMittal is set to begin construction of its much-anticipated steel plant at Nakkapalli in Anakapalli district this November. With a staggering investment of ₹70,000 crore, the project is poised to become one of the largest industrial ventures in the state. The upcoming plant is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local population. It will also stimulate the growth of ancillary industries, including logistics, fabrication, and raw material supply chains, giving a significant economic uplift to the region. Officials from the Andhra Pradesh government have confirmed that necessary groundwork, including land acquisition, clearances, and infrastructure planning, is already in progress. The project reflects the state’s commitment to attracting global investment and transforming Andhra Pradesh into an industrial powerhouse. Once operational, the steel plant is likely to contribute heavily to both domestic steel production and exports, reinforcing India''s position in the global steel market. This mega project comes at a time when the government is focusing on job creation, infrastructure development, and boosting Make in India initiatives across strategic sectors.

AI-BASED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO TRANSFORM VIZAG ROADS The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), in collaboration with the city police, is set to roll out an advanced AI-based Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) under the initiative titled Project Saarathi. This transformative project aims to significantly improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and enforce traffic regulations more effectively across the city. As part of the project, around 50 major traffic junctions in Vizag will soon be equipped with cutting-edge technologies including: Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Facial Recognition Systems Adaptive Signal Synchronization Red-Light Violation Detection Systems Speed Violation Monitoring These smart tools will allow real-time tracking of traffic violations, reduce human intervention, and create a more efficient urban mobility ecosystem. The AI system is also expected to play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, and assist law enforcement in crime detection and public safety monitoring. Officials said that Project Saarathi is part of GVMC''s broader vision to develop smart urban infrastructure aligned with the Smart City Mission. The initiative is also likely to integrate with public transport systems in the future for more coordinated citywide mobility management. Once implemented, Vizag will join a select group of Indian cities leveraging AI and data analytics for intelligent traffic governance.

GM SCOR INSPECTS PROGRESS OF ZONAL HEADQUARTERS CONSTRUCTION IN VISAKHAPATNAM Shri Sandeep Mathur, General Manager of South Coast Railway (SCoR), conducted an inspection of the ongoing construction of the new Zonal Headquarters building at Mudasarlova, Visakhapatnam on 16 September 2025. He was accompanied by senior officials including Shri Ankush Gupta, Principal Chief Engineer; Shri D. Srinivasa Rao, Chief Engineer (Construction); Shri B. Chandra Sekhar, OSD, SCoR; and other senior officers. During the site visit, the General Manager reviewed the progress and pace of the construction work, evaluated key milestones, and discussed the project status with the engineering team. The officials provided a detailed briefing, shared the site layout, and explained various ongoing construction activities.

INS KADMATT ARRIVES IN FIJI FOR GOODWILL VISIT, STRENGTHENING MARITIME TIES Indian Naval Ship Kadmatt, an indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, arrived in Suva, Fiji on 15 September 2025 as part of a three-month deployment in the region. This port call underscores the longstanding historical, cultural, and people-to-people connections between India and Fiji. It also reaffirms India''s dedication to enhancing maritime cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations with friendly nations. During the visit, INS Kadmatt will host senior officials from the Republic of Fiji Navy to engage in professional interactions and explore areas of mutual interest. The ship’s crew will also take part in various community outreach initiatives, sporting events, and cultural exchanges—further deepening the spirit of friendship and goodwill between the two countries. The visit aligns with India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region), and highlights the Indian Navy’s role as a trusted security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.